Rating of the best disc brakes for a bike in 2022

The expression "the brakes were invented by a coward" refers to people who have never faced the need to stop in time. This is especially true for two-wheeled vehicles, because in the driver's car the body of the vehicle protects, and here you have to take the whole blow.

Our editors have compiled a list of recommendations for choosing and rating the best disc brakes for a bicycle, based on customer reviews and the popularity of models.

Note! Some worthy modifications were not included in the list due to their low prevalence or high cost.

What are the brakes

There are only two main types of disc brakes - mechanical and hydraulic. The differences in the work are colossal, so it is necessary to understand the nuances in advance, for a more accurate understanding of the topic.

1. Mechanics. The device is a mechanism driven by the force of a cable threaded through the line. Such brakes are inexpensive, as a rule, easy to operate, easy to maintain. It can also be said that this option is economical. Due to the relative simplicity of the mechanism, the price is low. The disadvantages of the model include the need for constant adjustment of the cable.
2. Hydraulics. More expensive pleasure. However, the expensive options are really worth the money. As a rule, hydraulic calipers are designed for increased loads, which makes them popular among amateurs and professionals. In fact, bicycle hydraulics are a smaller copy of a motorcycle brake, without structural changes.

How to choose

Inexperienced users shout at the top of their lungs that hydraulics on a bicycle are almost a panacea for all problems. However, there are several important points here, the knowledge of which will help to avoid selection errors and save several hundred or thousand rubles.

The first question is the price. If you are going to buy a factory model of a bicycle or cheap brakes (up to 4,000 rubles per set), you need to seriously think about whether the game is worth the candle.

Experts say that a high-quality mechanical type system shows better results than cheap hydraulics. This is due to the quality of the materials used. Mechanical calipers themselves are cheaper to manufacture, so the manufacturer can use stronger material alloys and stock solid pads.Additionally, with such a system there will be no problems during maintenance - spare parts are always available.

Regarding the cheapest hydraulics, this is fashionable, pretentious, but inefficient. According to the test results, the most budget models show a lower compression force, relatively comparable in price to mechanics. Another important factor is the low reliability of such systems.

As a conclusion, we can say that solid mechanical brakes are a much more effective option than the simplest hydraulics. And the final choice lies directly with the buyer.

Rating of the best

The following is a ranking of the best disc systems for a bicycle, according to customer reviews and popularity.

ARTEK ADC-09

Price per set: about 2000 rubles.

The rating is opened by the representative of the most budget line of mechanical brakes. The model is distinguished by simple indicators of power and design. The main purpose is to operate in a walking mode on an adult or teenage bike. The weight tolerance does not exceed 75 kg, which is unable to ensure a quick stop in an emergency. Users like unpretentiousness, the possibility of quick repairs, due to the elementary design. Another miscalculation of the designers is a small contact patch of the pads, and therefore, the pads wear out quickly.

• minimum cost;
• nice design;
• the possibility of self-repair.

• low efficiency;
• pads wear out quickly.

Tektro M500 F

The price tag starts from 3000 rubles per set.

Next in line is the budget representative of Tektro. The main advantage of the design, the manufacturer calls the steel case, which a priori excludes mechanical damage after impacts.However, this is also a minus - steel parts provoke a lot of weight, about 500 g.

Efficiency is average. The model is enough for everyday walks, infrequent high-speed trips over rough terrain. Here, square pads of sufficient area are already used, which allows for good efficiency.

• democratic price;
• durable case;
• good efficiency.

• huge weight;
• there are complaints about the durability of the return spring.

SHIMANO M375

The price tag starts from 3000 rubles per set.

Good mechanics from a renowned manufacturer. The rather high price tag is completely offset by excellent reliability and performance. Some users deliberately put these brakes in place of hydraulic brakes, citing superior performance.

Initially, the model was used for racing modes Cross Country. Later, it began to be used only on custom bikes, due to the emergence of more efficient hydraulics in the budget segment.

Regarding the characteristics, one can note the extraordinary efficiency and simplicity of design (relative to other models of the mechanical type). Also, users are pleased with the quality factor of the case - the material is not subject to splitting and overheating as a result of long descents. Therefore, brakes can often be found among tourists or ordinary fans to ride "with the breeze".

Experts, in turn, praise the large selection of pads and spare parts.

Despite obsolescence, the product is still considered the standard for its class.

• excellent efficiency;
• reliability;
• repaired "on the knee";
• moderate price.

• not detected.

SHIMANO M315

Starting price: from 3500 rubles per set.

A worthy representative of Shimano opens the list of budget hydraulics. Low cost due to mediocre efficiency. The modification is often used on mid-range production bikes.

The braking force is comparable to good representatives of the mechanical type. Therefore, the manufacturer positions the product as an excellent alternative to the budget class for beginner cyclists.

Experts praise simple maintenance - even an unprepared user can bleed the brakes with mineral water. Good maintainability also stands out - there is a large selection of calipers, zhimkov and internal parts.

Specifically for the user, a pleasant fact is the presence of a comfortable handle. You can press with one or three fingers.

• adequate price tag;
• good efficiency;
• nice design;
• universal squeeze.

• not suitable for heavy loads.

Tektro M206

The average cost fluctuates around 5000 rubles per set.

Next in line is a budget solution for beginner cyclists. Good hydraulics can quickly stop the rider if necessary. The maximum load is 95 kilograms, which is enough for most users.

Experts call sufficient modulation as a positive quality, which makes life much easier for beginners. The even transmission of power ensures that the inexperienced cyclist is protected from wheel lockup, which can lead to falls.

The design has also been worked out, metal grips allow you to use one or three fingers for braking.

The disadvantages are considered to be the low reliability of the system - there are many reviews on the network about breakdowns or failure of the model when overheating.

• a good option for beginners;
• acceptable price tag;
• good build.

• may overheat;
• not designed for aggressive driving.

Avid Elixir 1

The price tag starts from 5000 rubles.

Subsidiary of Sram Corporation. American technology provides a decent braking force, which guarantees a timely stop of vehicles.

The first generation is designed for beginners and cyclists. Brakes can sometimes be seen on Cross Country tracks.

Ergonomic presser presses are equipped with an additional adjustment that allows you to precisely set the height of the presser foot to the preferences of each user.

• attractive appearance;
• good efficiency;
• good selection of pads.

• not enough for aggressive exploitation;
• some users complain about leaks.

HAYES DYNO COMP

Price: 5000 rubles / set.

A bright representative of the budget price segment from Hayes. Sufficient efficiency is ensured by the unique design of the main chamber. The model has the minimum characteristics for use in Cross Country racing modes or active rides on forest trails.

A relatively high position in the top is achieved by excellent reliability. The manufacturer gives a lifetime warranty against leaks, which means a lot.

Handle position adjustments are made with a 2.5 mm hex screw over a wide range. You can lower the squeeze almost to the grip.

Users are also pleased with the moderate weight - 400 grams one side.

• lifetime guarantee against leakage;
• sufficient power;
• wide range of handle adjustment.

• controversial design;
• difficult setup.

TEKTRO HD-M330

The price tag starts from 8000 rubles

The middle niche of racing brakes from Tektro. The improved model features less modulation, which suggests skillful use. However, inexperienced beginners may fly over the handlebars due to harsh handling.

The plant has finalized the hydraulic lines, now the oil does not burst the lines during strong pressure. The main piston has also been improved. It was the old seal that was removed through which air was sucked into the system.

The manufacturer positions the brainchild as the best option for Cross Country or Trail.

However, some shortcomings remained from their predecessors. There is also a problem with overheating. Under extreme loads, air can enter the system or oil leaks, which is fraught with complete bleeding.

• attractive design;
• sufficient power;
• line strength.

• there is a tendency to overheat.

Avid Juicy 3

Price: from 9000 rubles / set.

An old but very effective system. Despite the start of production in 2005, the brakes remain relevant even after 14 years, due to the demand for new and used systems.

The product was created according to the principle “everything ingenious is simple”. The primitive design of the caliper is complemented by the elementary mechanism of the brake levers, which gives unexpected power.

Thanks to these characteristics, the model is regularly used by novice athletes and lovers of extreme disciplines.And the author himself has repeatedly experienced the reliability of the unit - for 5 years of active operation, no repairs were required, except for the replacement of worn pads.

• excellent efficiency;
• excellent design reliability;
• cute appearance.

• are obsolete at the time of writing.

SHIMANO DEORE M 6000

The price tag fluctuates around 10,000 rubles.

One of the top versions of the company. Updated in 2017, the model boasts narrower mounts, an updated design.

Improved piston design improves modulation and braking performance. The new caliper is able to work with Ice Tech pads, which effectively remove heat from the working area to minimize overheating of the caliper.

A set of implemented solutions allows you to use brakes for aggressive operation without fear of flying off a cliff.

• excellent efficiency;
• attractive design;
• caliper reliability.

• price.

Formula CURA POLISH'17

Price: from 15,000 rubles.

The top representative of the Formula brand line. Brakes are a combination of relatively low cost and excellent performance. Often, a modification can be found at amateur Enduro or Cross Country championships.

Competent design of the piston system allows you to achieve a good ratio of power and modulation. This guarantees excellent brake power dosing accuracy and instantaneous stopping when needed.

The only drawback in the CIS can be considered the almost complete lack of spare parts for repairs.

• excellent efficiency;
• quality assembly.

• controversial design;
• no repair parts.

Shimano Zee M640

Price: from 20,000 rubles / set.

A popular modification for the budget class Downhill. The four-piston caliper delivers enough power for effective braking, which ensures a timely stop of vehicles.

Excellent ergonomics combines solutions of country and gravity styles. The comfortable ribbed handle provides plenty of finger grip, while the rigid caliper design adds power.

Most users praise the system for unpretentiousness, ease of installation and reliability.

• moderate price;
• phenomenal vitality;
• excellent ergonomics.

• may overheat.

Avid Code R GS Graphite Gray

Price: from 15000 rubles

Representative of the top line of the company Avid. Downhill brakes are equipped with 4 pistons for maximum braking efficiency. All technologies of the organization are concentrated in one instance. This allows for unprecedented optimization of modulation performance and reliability. The forged caliper body guarantees phenomenal reliability under impact and mechanical stress. And the design is complemented by the presence of ceramic pistons that are not subject to overheating.

Users like reliability and low cost. Experts praise the ease of maintenance and setup.

• excellent power;
• easy setup;
• build quality.

• not detected.

Every brake is good in its own way. The final choice depends entirely on the personal needs of the buyer.